In moments, a generic radio-controlled car shifts, turns and becomes an upright mini fighting-machine -- able to deliver the twists and punches familiar to those of us who watched the movie Transformers.

The toy was built by Kenji Ishida and JS Robotics -- and in the world of household robotic inventions would probably be at the top of many a child's Christmas list.

This is the 29-year-old modeler's eighth generation attempt at putting together an RC Autobot -- and he seems to have lived up to the challenge.

The robot is comprised of 22 servo motors which allow it to change from car to robot at the touch of a button, wiggle its hips and waddle on two legs before turning back into its familiar radio-controlled car shape.

What makes this innovative toy more astonishing is that Ishida reportedly built the prototype in his living room, and was intended to be a device entered in a competition against other household robot developers.

Version 9 is currently in development, and flying may be the next thing on Ishida's list to accomplish.. although parents may not be so enthralled at the idea if it hits the stores.

Charlie Osborne, a medical anthropologist who studied at the University of Kent, UK, is a journalist, freelance photographer and former teacher.
She has spent years travelling and working across Europe and the Middle East as a teacher, and has been involved in the running of businesses ranging from media and events to B2B sales. Charli...
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